Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Pius Akutah, has called for continued investment in the welfare, safety, and development of dockworkers as they play an instrumental role in boosting the country’s international trade.
Akutah stated this during the recently concluded 2024 Dockworker’s Day organised by the Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria, SCAN, in collaboration with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, in Lagos.
The event, themed, “Dockworkers: Key to unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy”, brought together key maritime stakeholders and deliberations on the need to develop the capacities of the dockworkers to prepare them for the development of the country’s blue economy.
The NSC boss stated that the invaluable contributions of dockworkers to the maritime industry and the blue economy were well recognised.
“Your dedication to the cause of the industry ensures the seamless operation of our ports and the steady flow of goods essential for national trade and prosperity. By facilitating the smooth handling of cargo, you are instrumental in boosting international trade, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s gross domestic product, and attracting foreign investment,” he stated.
He reiterated that dockworkers are the backbone of the maritime sector, adding that their empowerment is crucial for meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
Akutah specially commended SCAN for amplifying the voices of dockworkers and fostering collaboration within the maritime sector, adding that the NSC remains committed to working with stakeholders to enhance efficiency, productivity, and the well-being of those who keep our ports running.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup, commended dockworkers for their skills, expertise, and dedication to facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate trade, and drive economic growth.
Haastrup remarked that Nigeria’s port concession programme has been a transformative game-changer for dockworkers, stressing that by introducing private sector expertise and investment at the port, the port concession has improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration, as well as training and development opportunities.
While describing the contributions of dockworkers to the nation’s ports as indispensable, she reiterated that terminal operators remain steadfastly committed to the welfare of dockworkers, unwavering in its dedication despite the challenging economic situation in the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Chief Adebayo Sarumi noted that despite welfare concerns that greeted the port concession in 2006, private operators have significantly improved dockworkers welfare.
“Terminal operators directly take charge of training and capacity building in that it impacts positively on productivity and their earnings through increased throughput. Considering all the locations in which dock labour is used, including ports, jetties, terminals, oil rigs, platforms, etc. – it is safe to say that it is critical to significantly improving the Blue Economy,” Sarumi said.
On his part, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, admonished the operators and regulatory agencies to properly vet the personalities selected to train dockworkers.
According to the MWUN President General, some of the personalities selected to train maritime workers only have academic knowledge of the port industry instead of hands-on experience about port business.
While commending the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NSC leadership for the new minimum wage and conditions of service for shipping operators, he observed that the new terms are yet to kick-off and encouraged the Ministry and NSC to intervene.
In his welcome address, the President of SCAN, Mr. Eugene Agha, said the event themed, “Dockworkers: Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, is a strategic occasion to stress the need for capacity building for dockworkers in consideration of the future and growth trajectory of the maritime industry.
Agha also noted that some exceptional dockworkers across the nine districts in the Western Port will be honoured to encourage commitment to duty and legitimate expectations.
He called for the continuous capacity development of dockworkers across the country’s ports, adding that it would help them to be relevant and adaptable.
According to Agha, dockworkers are pivotal in translating the efforts to harness the country’s abundant marine potential into economic wealth.
“Nigeria is well on its way to optimising the benefits of its abundant ocean endowments with the creation of the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the maritime sector,” Agha said.
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